The international rollout of Marvel and Disney’s *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is proving to be a game-changer within the global box office arena. Launching across 44 international markets in just the first two days, the film has already amassed an impressive $27 million, a figure that signals strong audience interest and an evolving appetite for Marvel’s flagship heroes. This early performance surpasses several comparable films from the franchise’s recent history—58% better than *Captain America: Brave New World*, 32% ahead of *Superman*, and 9% above *Thunderbolts* in comparable markets. Such figures aren’t just numbers; they represent a seismic shift in how international markets are responding to Marvel’s newest installment, spotlighting an invigorated enthusiasm that markets like Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific seem eager to embrace.
What makes this debut particularly remarkable is the film’s ability to harvest high engagement from diverse demographics across the globe. From the bustling streets of Mexico and the UK to the vibrant markets of Italy and Brazil, audiences are rallying behind *First Steps*. In Mexico, the film’s opening day accounts for a staggering 97% lead over *Brave New World*—a comparison that underscores the film’s robust appeal. Countries such as France, Italy, and the Netherlands have recorded some of the best opening days of 2025, with France logging the third-highest opening of the year, outperforming *Thunderbolts* by a significant margin.
Market Dynamics and Audience Expectations
The film’s reception in Europe has been nothing short of exceptional. For instance, France experienced an 84% improvement on opening days compared to *Thunderbolts*, with Italy and the Netherlands similarly posting some of their strongest starts in months. These figures are especially notable considering the competition for audience attention and local cultural preferences. The Netherlands, in particular, clocked the second-highest opening day of 2025, surpassing several noteworthy Marvel and DC releases.
Conversely, Asia-Pacific markets displayed more nuanced responses yet demonstrated encouraging signs of positive momentum. Countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong showed robust pre-release enthusiasm, which translated into impressive early market shares. The social reactions and word-of-mouth buzz are contributing to a sense that *First Steps* could sustain its momentum well into the coming weeks, bolstering the belief that international markets are hungry for new Marvel stories, especially when they are packaged with star power, rich storytelling, and high production values.
However, not all territories have hit the same stride. Korea, for example, saw a more muted debut, partly due to its strategic release timing and competition from local titles. Still, even in that market, the film secured a No. 1 spot on debut day, setting a foundation for subsequent growth.
Strategic Significance and Future Outlook
This initial success signals more than just a strong opening—it indicates a strategic pivot by Marvel and Disney to emphasize international markets as a primary driver for the franchise’s post-pandemic recovery. The global push for *The Fantastic Four* isn’t merely about ticket sales; it’s about establishing a cultural footprint that ensures sustained interest and franchise longevity.
Furthermore, these early numbers bolster Disney’s overall global standing, helping the studio surpass the $3 billion milestone—an achievement that speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics in the entertainment landscape. The film’s performance paves the way for expanding Marvel’s universe in ways that were previously less predictable, especially as international audiences seem increasingly receptive to these blockbuster spectacles.
Looking ahead, markets like China, Japan, and Spain will be critical in the coming days. While China’s softer reception to superhero films may temper expectations, Spain’s potential for high returns remains promising. The international box office is notoriously unpredictable, but *The Fantastic Four*’s early trajectory suggests a robust finish, possibly exceeding initial projections of $90-$100 million. The subsequent weeks will reveal if *First Steps* can sustain this momentum, diversify its global appeal, and solidify Marvel’s dominance across continents.
*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* isn’t just a new Marvel release—it is a testament to the studio’s strategic dexterity and an indicator of shifting global film consumption habits. If current trends persist, Disney’s gamble will pay off, setting a powerful precedent for future Marvel titles and asserting its cultural dominance in markets worldwide.